She lived for 16 years, a long life for a dog. What a friend she was to me, she would always make me happy, she was my sunshine. They gave me her ashes and the vet at CSU told his assistant to burn the remains separately because anyone who cared enough to bring there pet in person deserved the respect of sole cremation. He had witnessed the cold separation when I put her on the table and kissed her head in sorrow. My love reduced to ashes, what would I do with them?

I went to the local mortuary where I found a wonderful oak box with one choice, the size. I ordered the large so that all the remains would fit inside and the mortician said that if there was extra space we could ad something and that the box would arrive in a week or so. As the time passed I started packing her things and found her last tennis ball. She was so passionate about tennis balls that I could teach her anything. She could open and close the back door and would ring the sleigh bells if she wanted out when the door was locked. She would obey my every command as if it were a game and winning was to please me. If I took the ball she would do anything for it's return. One time she retrieved for hours on a hot summer day for some young boys, on the way home she cried and her paws were raw from playing, I felt so bad, but honestly, she didn't.

She had hardly even sniffed that last ball and I thought wouldn't it be nice if there were room in the box, what a great way to fill the void, how was I going to fill the void in my heart. The next morning came with a phone call and the box was ready. Into my truck, ashes in a gallon size baggie and the ball... There had been no humor since I lost my friend, somber was all there was. Suddenly, I thought and a light went off... what if the ball wouldn't fit, what would she think, then laughter and tears. She would not mind at all, if a few ashes were throne out, if that ball could be with her...

Nanny, you showed me unconditional love, you never realized when we were broke, your sympathy was great and your love unmoving.

My sweet friend, oh I am so teary reading this. She was unbelievably smart. I knew it the first time I saw her stop at the kitchen threshold. She knew you like no other.
I think of you so fondly Ron, especially this time of year. Sending my love your way.
x

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